Looking Ahead

Well now that the season is over everyone has had a chance to sit back and really take a good look at what has really gone down over the last 8 months, here is my take on the players that made it through the season into the playoffs, and their potential moving forward into the Vancouver Whitecaps move to MLS soccer. Now I'm not Tom Soehn or Teitur Thordason so take my views for what they are worth. For all intents and purposes I will assume that there will in fact be a Reserve Division next season.

Goalkeepers:

Jay Nolly: North American Born. He has MLS experience, and his contract expires on November 30th 2010 so I would imagine that there will be an announcement pretty shortly after that. Nolly was one of the big standouts this year for the 'Caps. He led the league in games played, minutes played and Goals against average. Statistically he was the best keeper in the league. There weren't as many games this year that he actually stole for the Whitecaps the way he did last year but he will surely get a good look next year. I would take him.

A+

Simon Thomas: North American Born Canadian Born. Saw very limited action this season, He got in against Crystal Palace Baltimore for the life of me I don't remember it but supposedly it happened. As the team released Dan Pelc today I could see Thomas playing for the Reserve Team.

N/A



Fullbacks

Greg Janicki: North American Born Like Nolly, Janicki has had a taste of MLS soccer. Had a solid season, start to finish. He was a worrior. Big, physical, strong in the air, always in the right place at the right time. He was Vancouver's most consistent player on the back line. He has earned himself a good long look from the staff with the way he handled Bright Dike in the first round of the playoffs.

B+


Maloud Akloul: The Flying Frenchman, scored a goal in his debut and broke his leg on the play. After that he was out for the remainder of the season. He got into the season regular finale against Portland and looked to be a step behind. He has a very impressive C.V. but we haven't really had a chance to see what he's all about. Mind you he has shown a great ability to hammer in scissor kicks at halftime. He's a brick house though. Strong and athletic, but I can't say much more then I already have cause we haven't had a chance to see him. It seems like he was brought on to the team with the expectation that he would be making the jump to MLS.

N/A


Alain Rochat: North American Born Canadian Born. On load to FC Zurich in the Swiss Axpo Super League. Part of the Swiss International Player Pool. Has Champions's League experience against the likes of Real Madrid and AC Milan. If you went by the highlight videos alone he looks really impressive. Unfortunately you don't see his foul on Alex Pato that led to a Ronaldinho spot kick and a Red Card. The spot kick was converted and that was the end of FC Zurich's Champions League Run. He was injured most of September '10 and in his return match Zurich went on to lose 4-1 to FC Basel. He was signed for next year but it's important that we know what we're really getting. He does appear to be the real deal though. World class pace, great control of the ball with either foot. So we're going to have to wait and see.

N/A (I've never really watched him play in a match)


Luca Bellisomo: North American Born Canadian Born. Played in every game this year. Led the league in fouls. He played every game because he is the real deal. He moved back to central defence when the Whitecaps suffered a couple mid season injuries. Through and through the best player on the club to have come through the Residency Program.  If he can't crack the first team next year, I would imagine that he would be kept for the Reserve Squad.  He's the sort of player that could see a lot of time during Nutralite Cup matches. Although for him personally a move to another 2nd tier team may be the best move for his personal development.

B+


Wes Knight: North American Born. A fan favourite, his long throws make him a great asset. Oh and his incredible pace might help too. Played every game as though it was going to be his last. Had he not he might not have been getting the look that he surely will. He's suffered a couple injuries over the last couple years, knee problems. As the season progressed he seemed to play with a little less fear of tearing his knee again. Unfortunately he was unable to play in the second leg against Portland, and the first leg of the semi final in Puerto Rico due to a freak accident where he slipped on the pitch at Swangard and injured his shoulder. Wes has an incredible upside and is very useful as either a winger or an attacking defender.

B+


Willis Forko: Once more a player drafted by Real Salt Lake, He scored 8 goals in 38 appearances with the Utah outfit but for whatever reason couldn't stick. He's a Liberian International. Liberia are ranked 164th in the World placing them behind Asian Powerhouse Nepal. His only real memorable moment while he was here was a near Own Goal off a header that Jay Nolly pushed over the bar. He's a left footed player so he has some value.

C


Ethan Gage: North American Born Canadian Born. A Residency Product. While many of the reports I've heard have claimed that he doesn't normally play on the back four and is normally a mid fielder. Every PDL game I saw this year he started at Right Back. The Whitecaps PDL team was poor defensively. That's being kind. He played a pivotal role in the 2008 Championship run for the Whitecaps. He also had a very strong showing this year filling in for Wes Knight during the Second Leg versus Portland and in both matches against Puerto Rico. Although David Foley exposed his lack of pace in the 2nd Leg of the Semifinal.  Sign him to the Reserve Squad and hope that he continues to improve, he has a lot of the tools to be a pro someday, but needs to put in a lot of work.

D+

Takashi Hirano: Old War Horse. Former Japanese International. Has a great mind for the game. Injured to start the season worked incredibly hard to make it back into the squad. When mid season injuries hit the team Taka stepped in and filled the gaps.  He's ancient though.  Having played under both T.T. and Arsne Wenger, I could see him moving into a coaching or player development role with the team next year.  He was dropped from the squad more or less towards the end of the season to allow some of the new international signings to suit up for the Blue and White. I don't think it is likely he will be back next year and unfortunately I have to put this season as a fail.

F


Midfielders

Nizar Khalfan: Tanzanian International, Left before the playoffs to fulfill National Duties, has great speed, and scored 2 opportunistic goals this season. He should get a look, as he was able to make it through with the squad all the way to the playoffs. He was signed to A PDL contract so the Whitecaps will retain his rights as they train over the next several months.

B


Blake Wagner: North American Born.  Has MLS experience. Wagner had a great season. Chipped in with a couple goals including a hat trick. He was strong on the ball and played well defensively. Not a lot to say about Blake. He's got to get a look.

B


Phillipe Davies: North American Born Canadian Born. Another Residency Product. Fantastic on set pieces. He had a strong season on the Right Wing when he was called upon. He probably won't make the jump to MLS, I would be astonished if he did. I could definitely see him playing on the Reserve Squad. Really he would be better off moving on to another club where he would get more minutes in a starting role.

C+

Martin Nash: North American Born Canadian Born. Came into camp this year in the best shape of his career supposedly. 15 lbs lighter then last year. Lets face facts though. He's old. He threw out his back helping his neighbour move in the middle of the season. While that does go towards the character of the man it doesn't bode well for the longevity of his continued tenure with the club. He'll be on the team next year. He's the teams leader both on and off the pitch. He still has flashes of brilliance now and then but has a hard time finishing games. That being said, his early departure from the last couple games may have more to do with T.T. needing to get a look at some of his newer players in serious game action. In all fairness his legs have a lot of miles on them. I would imagine that he will be transitioned into a coaching role in the first 3 seasons.

B+


Kyle Porter- North American Born Canadian Born. Canadian U20 Player returned from a loan to Energie Cottbus in the German Bundesliga 2. Didn't crack the line up until October 2nd against Portland. Set up Cody Arnoux for a sprawling header. Played the ball in beautifully. Started against Puerto Rico in the semi finals. Didn't look out of place but didn't really create any serious chances either.
Another player with Residency Potential.

C+(I feel bad giving him such a low grade because we didn't really get to see a lot of him but I think this is fair.)

Terry Dunfield: North American Born Canadian Born. Local Kid, Brought up through the Manchester City Youth Program.  Has to make the squad for next year. Does absolutely everything right. Doesn't turn the ball over, makes smart passes. Oh and he is a fantastic defensive player too. Without a doubt the most impressive and consistent player brought in during the transfer window. If he's not on the team next year it's cause they have signed a dp at that spot.

A+


Alex Morfaw: Saw very limited action.  Didn't really do anything of note. Apparently he made enough of an impact to not get cut on Tuesday.

N/A


Davide (Dede) Chiumiento: Truly a conundrum. Incredible skill on the ball (as seen in his highlight package), but may be too small for the physical style of the North American game. He is invisible defensively,  and I felt as though he didn't seem to interested in getting involved in the play if other players were near.  T.T. kept him out of the lineup against Portland for precisely these reasons.  I wasn't impressed at all. Maybe he was apprehensive about getting his hands dirty because he knew he's made the team and is just trying to stay healthy for next year. Only he knows. The only reason he's not going to get an F is because I know he has potential. You're totally allowed to do that too, I know my teachers did when I was a kid.

D


Gershon Koffie: Scored in the first minute of the Quarterfinal First Leg vs. Portland. He featured heavily during the 'Caps playoff surge. Was impressive when called upon. Stronger then you would expect when he is on the ball. He is listed at 155 lbs on the Whitecaps website. I think that is generous. He was absolutely steamrolled at one point during the second leg of the Quarterfinal vs Portland. Then again he was run over by Bright Dike. He's going to have to do some strength and conditioning in the off season but he will be a great addition to the system he should at least get a look on the Reserve Squad until he puts some meat on his bones.

B-


Forwards/ Strikers

Cornelius Stewart: Already signed to a PDL contract so he will be protected during the off season. He left the club at the end of the regular season to play in some international games for St. Vincent.  He has speed to burn. That being said the kid is all Swedish and no Finish. He did however manage to assist on 5 of Vancouver's goals. Good enough to put him in a tie for 5th in the league, and 2nd on the team behind league leader Martin Nash.  He's a pretty lean guy and that might hold him back but he'll atleast get a crack on the Reserve Squad. I doubt he'll start too many games with the club next year.

C


Ridge Mobulu- This kid came out like gangbusters his first month with the squad and had great chemistry with Cornelius Stewart. He disappeared as the season progressed but he's quite young and very raw.  He could use a lot of first team experience. He will never get it with the Whitecaps first team. Reserve Squad potentially but I would let him go.

C-


Randy Edwini Bonsu- If you look at minutes played to goals scored, R.E.B. has the best ratio.  He had a tough season dealing with his health and fitness. He had very high expectations placed on him at the beginning of the season. He might be in over is head at this point. He's a solid player but really needs to play more to develop. Everyone thinks the world of him, he's a great kid. It just doesn't look like he'll be back with the squad next year. Atleast not on the first team. He could always play for the reserves. I think the best move for Randy would be to return to his hometown of Edmonton and get some first team minutes with their new outfit.

F  (not entirely his fault, but it is what it is.)

Cody Arnoux- North American Born. What can I say about Cody Arnoux? even though he has a contract with the Whitecaps, MLS may still force him to go through the draft process. That being said, at least T.T. will have had a good long look at him. Eventually he showed lots of promise.  Despite only managing 1 goal in 10 games he did look to be the one striker on the club who could handle the physicality of the MLS.

B-

Watch for a full on End of Season Review Thursday! And listen for my guest spot on the It's Called Football Podcast Tonight!

Seasons over thats it.

I'm not going to write a review for the last game. Everyone knows what happened. It sucks. I'm going to move things forward and post my player by player reviews for the year.

Whitecaps vs. Islanders 1st Leg Preview

Things are looking up these days.

With last Sunday's victory over the Portland Timbers we look ahead to The Puerto Rico Islanders.

Puerto Rico split the season series with Vancouver with a pair of draws. P.R. are barely made the playoffs this year after only winning 1 of their final 7 matches and finished their campaign with a record of 9-11-10, just barely staying ahead of a terrible Miami FC club.

While P.R. have played so poorly in the Deuce they have continued to remain one of the toughest teams to beat in the Champions League. They are the masters of the home and away system. Having recently beat MLS powerhouse LA Galaxy spirits are running high on the Island. This plays into their hands as our playoff system is also home leg, away leg.

The Islanders bring an attack that features a few skilled players but nothing like what we saw with Portland, they will not be nearly as physical either. I would imagine that Davide Chiumiento will get to see a little more time on the pitch as we will be looking to maintain possession for more of the game rather then constantly attacking in the way we played Portland in the first leg.

It will be a good test for Ethan Gage who will continue to fill in for the injured Wes Knight at Right Back. Its obvious that the kid has the physical abilities but we will see how he matches up with a far more tactical opposition. P.R. Like to get the ball into scoring position and hammer the ball on net as often as possible. They managed 20 shots combined in the 2 legs against Rochester. They drew 37 fouls combined. Now as I didn't manage to see the game usually that many fouls is a testament to how the other team begins to get frustrated by not having the ball. I think it will be very interesting to see which lineup takes the field in Bayamon today as Teitur will have spent all week thinking about which guys are going to turn the ball over the least. I'm going to say this is the time where Terry Dunfield steps up and really makes his presence felt.

I wouldn't expect a really exciting game, but you never know this is the playoffs and anything can happen.

Jonathan Fana will be the player to watch for P.R. all the magic starts with him supposedly.

Game Starts at 5 Thursday

Whitecaps Lose...but still Win!

I've seen some griping about how we were time wasting during the second half.

Look I get it, that's not how we play. It's not Whitecaps football. That's something that Montreal does. Definitely not how we play. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Winning is the goal. This isn't youth soccer it's not about going out and having fun. It's about going out and getting a result. While a 1-0 loss isn't the ideal result, it was enough to get us through to the next round. Ethan Gage did a great job covering Ryan Pore while filling in for an injured Wed Knight.

It was wild to see what a beast that Bright Dike truly is. There were a couple situations where he just hammered a smaller Whitecap player like Gershon Koffie. The Timbers seemed to be the more successful in getting control of the ball and getting it towards the goal during a match where it seemed to spend a lot of time bouncing around between the two teams.

Looking ahead to Thursday the boys will be heading to Bayamon to play the Puerto Rico Islanders. As we have seen over the last couple years P.R. are the masters of the 2 game home and away series. I could be wrong on this one but I'm pretty sure that this is the longest distance to travel for a playoff game in any pro league in the world. P.R. likes to grind out home wins and road draws using their skilled players to maintain control of the ball. As Teitur has said, this will be a totally different series from the last series which was incredibly physical, this one will be incredibly technical. I would expect to see a little more Davide Chiumiento.

Whitecaps vs. Timbers 2nd Leg Preview

As the Whitecap's return to Portland where they have been embarassed by their expansion cousins already twice this year, the sense is that things are going according to plan.

With the 2-0 lead after the first game (road goals count for nothing in the ussf d2), it seems like the Timbers have quite a heavy burden to bear as they return home. Home is a funny word in this sort of a situation. While the game will be played in Portland it wont be played in the Timbers normal home.

Vancouver will likely benifit from the change of venue as the Game will be played at Merlo Field (5000 Capacity) at The University of Portland, instead of PGE Park (15 000 capacity) which is currently being renovated. The new digs for the playoffs mean that Zurab Tsiskaridze might have a bit of an easier time playing the bounce on long balls that he seemed to be victimized by in the first game of the season at PGE. Not that Big Z was the only guy but he definitely stuck out in my memory personally as I can recall yelling at my computer screen on more then one ocasion. Another thing that should play in Vancouver's favour is Portland's best defender Mamadou Danso will be away on international duty with Gambia.

Expect a much stronger presence from Bright Dike, and Ryan Pore. Neither can be happy with the performance they each turned in for the last game. With Wes Knight suffering a separated shoulder and not even making the trip to P-Town expect to see more Ethan Gage starting and maybe even Mouloud Akloul getting on the pitch. It was interesting to see how the pace of the game changed last match as team leader Martin Nash, was substituted out for Davide Chiumiento. While Chiumiento does alot of thinigs brilliantly he definitely doesn't flourish in the defensive aspects of the game, which was something Portland Coach Gavin Wilkinson called him out on in the last game of the season, calling him a simply a luxuary player. The game definitely changed from the second that Nash left the field and it will be interesting to see when this change takes place today.

All that being said expect the Timbers Army to be loud and crazy, and expect a great game. Thursday's game was he most entertaining game the 'Caps played all year and it would be hard to imagine that Portland are going to sit back at let Vancouver walk all over them. Brace Yourselves.

Whitecaps vs. Timbers 1st Leg recap

It's alive! It's alive!

The Vancouver Frankencaps are alive!

I'd like to think I'm a realist, not a pessimist (ok maybe I'm a pessimist) but definitely not a optimist, thats for certain. So 4 poor results against the Portland Timbers, I wasn't too confident that we were going to hammer them the way we did on Thursday. I was hoping for 3-1 which still would have been a 2 goal advantage going back to Portland, but I should have had more faith in Jay Nolly. As you can see by the poll on the right side of my page, I voted for him as the player who'd have the biggest impact on the match. It's also a testament to how many people actually read my blog (Thanks Mom!). In all reality, had it not been for Nolly's great game, it could have easily been 3-2 Portland going back to Oregon. He made 3 huge saves, one of which was a volley over his bar off the head of his own defender (Willis Forko).

Overall, everyone on the Whitecap's had a pretty good game. That being said a couple players had exceptional games. Old Man Martin Nash had his best game of the Season. Playing in a more offensive position tucked in behind the striker he seemed to be on a totally different level then he's been on all year. After the boys in White and Blue capitalized in the first minute, and they gathered in the north west end to celebrate Gershon Koffie's goal it was Nash who came in to the group yelling "Alright boys lets stay focused lets keep our heads in it!" They sure did. Less then 12 minutes later the Whitecaps we're knocking on Portland's door and Blake Wagner drew a penalty off a Phil Davies free kick, that lead to a face off between Nash and Steve Cronin. Nash Hammered it low and though Cronin got a hand on the ball it wasn't enough.

Beyond that Cody Arnoux nearly drew a penatly a few minutes later, while Terry Dunfield hammered a strike off the post late in the first half. Phil Davies almost capped off a sensational game with a goal (really it was a gimmie) but popped it off the post. Koffie even tried a cheeky chip on Cronin from just over half that barely missed the goal to the left. So going back to my previous statement about how it could have been 3-2 Portland, it just as easily could have been 6-3 Vancouver but that's not reality. The reality is we won 2-0 in what was certainly the most exciting match we've seen at Swangard this season.

On a side note.

Overall Great Guy, Wes Knight, has dislocated his shoulder. Really you gotta feel for the guy. He has had to deal with a couple tough injuries over the last couple years and has really been a key cog in the Whitecap's machine (robot?). It sounds like he won't be playing on Sunday in Portland, so we hope he has a speedy recovery.

Kickoff is at 6pm pst.

Side note number 2: Portland have begun a massive construction project (ok not really massive by comparison to BC Place but still pretty big, slightly bigger then what we saw at BMO in the last off season) so they will be playing this game in the much smaller more intimate Merlo Field, which is home to the University of Portland. One great thing about this move for the caps is that the crowd will be much smaller (5 000 capacity as opposed to PGE Park's potential 19 000 +), and that they won't be playing on the absolute worst astro turf in all of sports.

With this location it sounds like it will be next to impossible to get a ticket as an away fan.

Whitecaps vs. Timbers 1st Leg Preview

This is what a whole season filled with Home Ties and Road Wins has boiled down to.

Portland have to be coming into this game a little disappointed in the fact that they weren't able to get the result they were looking for against the Whitecaps last week. It's not hard to fathom that the Timber's team chemistry is a little stronger then that of the 'Caps but last week we saw a great team performance from the boys in blue and white.

It's been just over 6 weeks since the additions of guys like Cody Arnoux, Terry Dunfield, Ridge Mobulu, Davide Chiumiento, and it seems like they are finally starting to gel. While Portland may be in playoff form, I might go out on a limb and say a lot of our guys are peaking into their mid season for which could be good or bad, we'll find out soon enough.

Fatigue is a definite factor at this stage in the season, we saw what a role it played in Portland's preparations for last weeks game as the Timbers rested Ryan Pore and Brite Dike the week previous as the strain of a long season was probably catching up with them. Look for those two to feature prominently in the Timbers deadly counter attack. They have been 'Caps killers all year long. Starting with Pore's two brilliant goals in the first match at PGE then Dike's goal last week at Swangard. Oh and his literal attempt to kill Takashi Hirano in the mid season tilt at Swangard. Fatigue is also an issue for Vancouver as guys like Chiumiento might not be quite match fit and may not get in a full game.

With the higher seeding in the playoffs Portland decided to play their first leg on the road which gives them the chance to move on with a victory at home or even a tie if they manage to get a win today at Swangard.

Both teams are going to want to win this game badly. Speculation over what type of game will be seen has been across the board. Last week we saw Teitur deviate from his normal 4-4-2 to playing with Chiumiento sitting in behind the striker in a possession/play making role providing service to Mobulu or Arnoux up front. I would expect more of the same.

With both teams having had a good look at each other I wouldn't be suprised to see coverage a little tighter on Chiumiento. A change in coverages would definitely benefit a guy like Terry Dunfield who has rarely made a mistake on the ball and been highly effective since joining the club. I would look to Terry to make a big impact in todays game. Hopefully he has a better goal celebration lined up then his last.

I would hate to wager on the match I would love to see an attacking 'Caps team win 3-1 but I think its far more likely that we see a closer game then that. We've seen a lot of tight games result in draws this year at Swangard but the emergence of some of our recent signings gives me hope that we can pull one out today.

In honour of Teitur's New Contract!

I will present you with some great interviews with coaches over the last couple years. Hopefully with more media exposure we can expect some more candid moments with Teitur, although it's doubtful. Regardless here are some great moments in recent memory with interviews from English managers.

If it ain't broke don't fix it!

The Vancouver Whitecaps formally announced that they will be sticking with Teitur Throdason as their head coach going into their first MLS season.

If you look at the results shown by for example TFC in their first years of infancy one of the major issues that they have had to deal with is inconsistency on the bench; 4 coaches in 4 years. I think this is where Portland have made a big mistake. That being said I think I speak for everyone in the lower mainland when I say "I hope Portscum never win another game ever!"

Back to reality though, Teitur's resume is much stronger than any other coach in the MLS. Most notably having lead Estonia to rank in the 60's on fifa's charts. Canada would kill for that kind of placement.

The even keeled Thordason was the right choice for numerous reasons but most of all the whole "if it ain't broke don't fix it" line says it all. In 3 seasons he's been to 2 Championship's, Won the Cup in his first season, and The Whitecaps sit in first in their division (second in the league) at this very moment.

If you really look at it though despite the fact the Caps have 13 draws on the season they're doing pretty well. It may not be as beautiful to watch as Teitur's mentor has Arsenal play, but they haven't been losing either. I challenge you to point out a 3 game stretch where 11 of the same players started. With 8 roster additions in the last month, the uncertainty of having a job at seasons end and all the other hoopla surrounding the club one thing has remained the same, Teitur and his demeanour. Ok and his haircut but again if it aint broke don't fix it right?

New Players, Same Old Story

Caps Tie! Caps Tie!

On a day where the air was filled with anticipation, for the first home game featuring all the Whitecaps new signings the home fans we're left with a bit of a bittersweet taste in their mouths. Cornelius Stewart scored a goal on a perfectly placed shot to take the lead in the '16. On the goal Martin Nash was given his league leading 7th assist of the season.

In the dying seconds of the first half Austin scored of a series of headers after Yohance Marshall finally nodded the ball past the Whitecaps line.

Ridge Mobulu potted a beauty of a goal in his home debut. Showing great patience he came down the left side of the box down to the touch line and waited for the defenders to pass him by. He then shot the ball from a tight angle into the back of the net to take a 2-1 lead.

Youngster Ethan Gage was subbed into the game in his first game back since his recent engagement with the U-21 National Team. Not to place the blame on him but moments after his insertion for team captian Martin Nash, Austin were able to capitalize on a set piece.

The Dynamic Duo of Cornelius Stewart and Ridge Mobulu gave Austin fits. Stewart had a multitude of chances in the first half and Mobulu had a couple opportunities that went just wide of the Austin goal. While newcomers Cody Arnoux, Ridge Mobulu, Willis Forko, and Terry Dunfield, all made appearances, Mobulu was certainly the most note worthy of the new players on the day.

The Aztecs who are in second place on in the USL Division started the game without five of their regular starters on the pitch. Jay Needleham and Lawence Olum were injured. Forwards Eddie Johnson and Max Griffin sat out until Johnson came on to score the equalizer. Yordany Alvarez didn't even make it out on the Aztec's 2 game West Coast swing.

Jay Nolly had a great game as per usual and made several great saves in the dying minutes.

Clash of The Titans

As the season winds down we get a chance to check out Austin's potent offence while Jay Nolly tries to earn another clean sheet at home. With all the buzz about the new signings added to the Whitecap's most people probably don't realize that several of our players are in the Top 10 in most of the leagues statistical columns. Martin Nash leads the Deuce in assists with 7 including the one he got as I am writing this post and Cornelius Stewart has 4 putting him in a tie for 5th. Nelson Akwari although currently injured is 8th on the chart for Minutes Played while Jay Nolly sits in 3rd. Coquitlam standout Luca Bellisomo has commited the league high in fouls with 56, that's 9 ahead of Austin's Edward Johnson. Greg Janicki rounds out the foul table in 10th with 34.

Stay tuned for a post game update as the Whitecaps currently lead the Aztec's 1-0 on a Cornelius Stewart goal in the 16'

also look out for a podcast that I will be putting together in the coming weeks.

Omar Salgado's trial comes to an end.

The teenage American sensation (16 years old!) will not be continuing his Loan to the Vancouver Whitecaps as the club was unable to secure his registration papers to complete the agreement made with the MLS. It's just as well since the kid seems to have his heart set on continuing his training in the US after his joining the U-20 National Program recently and thus being forced to leave Chivas Guadalajara who only sign players who are eligible to play for the Mexican National side. It sounds like this kid had quite the upside to him fast and strong (6'4 ) but maybe the club saw enough from him to select him in the MLS superdraft this spring...

New Whitecaps Striker Jonathan McDonald

Whitecaps FC add Swiss pair - Highlights

Tommy Soehn has been Workin' Hard

It seemed inevitable more international players were on their way into the Whitecaps dressing room with the departures of Justin Moose, Johnny Steele, Ricardo Sanchez, Devor Orgill, and Marlon James. Facts are facts and if you are taking up an international roster spot and can't crack the starting line up you are going to be let go. Every game from here on out is going to be viewed as a trial for next season. Over the last 2 weeks the signings have come fast and furious. Alain Rochat (D), *Willis Forko (D/M), Kyle Porter (M), Terry Dunfield (M), *Alexandre Morfaw (M), *Davide Chiumiento (M), *Ridge Mobulu (F/M), *Cody Arnoux (F) and Costa Rican sensation *Jonathan McDonald (F).

*denotes an international

While the 'Caps have continued their strong play in the deuce it is going to be very interesting to see how all these moves affect the team chemistry. Alain Rochat and Davide Chiumento look fantastic in their video that has been posted on the clubs page and Jonathan McDonald appears to have blazing speed upfront. With Malould Akloul still sidelined with his ankle injury his status is still up in the air but it definitely sounds like the competition is heating up as the 'Caps fight for a championship in their final season before making the jump to MLS.

The one thing I appreciate the most is the Canadian representation in the signings, I am especially excited to see Alain Rochat who brings so quality experience in UEFA Champions League games, and can't wait to see these new additions perform against Austin on August 29th at Swangard.